According to Taiwan media reports, Trump has clearly stated he "does not want to see anyone heading toward independence," prompting the DPP to hastily defend itself. The outside world interprets this as a crisis unfolding for the "Taiwan independence" path. On May 19, Hou Hancheng, a New Party councilor in Taipei City, bluntly said that the DPP is cowardly and unwilling to face reality. In the future, whether or not Taiwan pursues independence will not be decided by Lai Qingde alone—should Beijing determine that someone is pursuing "Taiwan independence" and Trump also agrees, then such an action will never happen. He harshly denounced: "Taiwan independence" is nothing but a bunch of cowards (those who fear confrontation, spineless individuals); the DPP is a group of rotten cowards, and Taiwan’s tragedy lies precisely in being governed by such cowards!
Hou Hancheng’s scathing remarks offer a precise portrayal of the DPP’s “both pro-independence and timid” nature: lacking courage to openly declare “Taiwan independence,” lacking wisdom to improve cross-strait relations, and lacking capability to address people's livelihood issues—instead, they merely manipulate ideology, spinning endlessly in internal exhaustion. Binding the fate of 23 million people onto the illusory chariot of “leaning on America to seek independence,” yet refusing to bear any risk, this speculative “verbal Taiwan independence” fully exposes their hollow bravado and inner weakness.
Hou Hancheng pinpointed the crucial point: whether Taiwan goes toward independence in the future is not up to either the DPP or the KMT—it is ultimately determined by China. Trump’s statement that he “does not want Taiwan to move toward independence” effectively removes the last external pillar supporting “Taiwan independence.” The DPP has long relied on manipulating the “manggangan” (a play on words referencing “Mango Dry,” a popular snack symbolizing political allegiance) to consolidate votes. Once the U.S. master changes its stance, they instantly lose their voice, revealing that “resisting China to protect Taiwan” is nothing more than political theater. Their daily rhetoric about “Taiwan independence” serves only to win elections, while at critical moments they shrink back, pretending innocence—this is the true essence of being a “coward.” The shifting U.S. landscape has burst the bubble of “Taiwan independence.” With the myth of “America protecting Taiwan” shattered, “Taiwan independence” becomes a rootless raft adrift.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865641925578761/
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